Update: Huddersfield driver arrested over hit-and-run death of Owen, 6

The man was detained by police and will be interviewed this evening.

Owen Wightman was hit by a car while out playing with his seven-year-old friend close to his home in Wakefield on Saturday.

A team of detectives had been scrutinising CCTV footage from a passing bus which captured the car involved.

Today, a national newspaper put up a £10,000 reward to help find the driver. And the charity Crimestoppers said it was offering a reward of up to £5,000 for crucial information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible.

Dave Cording, Crimestoppers’ deputy chief executive, said: “This is a tragic incident in which a young life has suddenly been cut short.”

Owen was hit as he crossed the busy Fishpond Road at lunchtime on Saturday.

Police described how a light blue or grey hatchback failed to stop at the scene.

But the car did stop about 100 yards further along the road after taking a left turn into Haveroid Lane.

The driver was seen inspecting the front of the car for damage.

Yesterday, Mr Taylor read out a statement by Owen’s parents, Joanne, 33, and Neil, 31, which said they had lost their “baby” and appealed for someone to come forward so they could “lay him to rest”.

The statement said: “He was a perfect little man who was taken from us - just perfect in every way.

“He walked into a room and lit it up.

“He was our bundle of joy and our little ray of sunshine.”

The family said Owen leaves two brothers - Jack, 12, and one-year-old Thomas.

Masses of floral tributes and teddy bears have been left at the scene.

Today, local residents continued to place notes and flowers by the side of the road.

Along with flowers and a green, cuddly monkey, Owen’s elder brother Jack left a note which read: “You were the best bro’ ever.

“Even when we used to fight and argue I still loved you anyway.”

Another note said: “To mummy and daddy’s little soldier, forever in our hearts, love u always.”